San Diego Chargers safety Steve Gregory was suspended four games on Monday for a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Gregory tested positive in May and was suspended after he went through an appeals process. The five-year veteran denied that he had willingly ingested an illegal substance.

Gregory has started all four games of the Chargers' 2-2 start. He has spent his entire career in San Diego.

Gregory will be ineligible for the Chargers' next four games at Oakland, at St. Louis, and at home against New England and Tennessee.

He picked off a pass in the Chargers' 41-10 win against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Update, 2:44 p.m. ET: Gregory released this statement: "I was completely shocked to find out about this positive test from May during the off-season. I have never knowingly used any form of performance enhancing substance, however as an athlete I know that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body. I appealed these test results, and through this process I was disappointed to learn today that I am going to be suspended for the next four games. It is tremendously upsetting to me, but I fully respect and support the NFL's policies. I will take this as a learning experience and come back stronger and as committed as ever. I apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization, fans, and my family and friends. I look forward to moving past this and helping my team win a championship this year."

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